Public Humiliation
1024 Words
[Araya's POV]
The words hang in the air like a death sentence.
Tainted. Unfit as Luna.
Araya stands in the center of the circle, her body trembling. The pack stares at her, their eyes gleaming in the moonlight. Some look satisfied. Others look uncomfortable. But no one speaks in her defense.
Jasper turns away from her, addressing the pack with cold authority. "This woman has failed to prove her claim. She offers no evidence, only lies. I will not acknowledge a bastard child as my heir."
Araya's chest tightens. She wants to scream, to defend herself, but the words stick in her throat. Her hands press protectively over her stomach, as if shielding the child from Jasper's cruelty.
Movement catches her eye.
Serenya steps forward from the edge of the circle, her green silk dress flowing around her as she walks. Her honey-blonde hair catches the moonlight, making her look almost ethereal. The pack parts for her, whispering as she approaches.
Serenya stops beside Jasper, placing a hand gently on his arm. She looks at Araya with an expression that mimics sympathy, but her green eyes gleam with satisfaction.
"Oh, Araya," Serenya says softly, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "I'm so sorry this had to happen. I tried to warn you. I tried to tell you that you weren't ready to be Luna."
Araya's hands curl into fists. "Don't pretend you care, Serenya."
Serenya tilts her head, her expression shifting to one of mock concern. "But I do care. You're my sister. It breaks my heart to see you like this."
"Liar," Araya whispers.
Serenya's smile widens just slightly, enough for Araya to see the triumph behind it. "I only want what's best for the pack. And clearly, you're not what's best."
The pack murmurs in agreement. Some nod. Others whisper to each other, pointing at Araya.
Serenya turns to face the crowd, her voice gentle but clear. "My sister has always struggled. We all know she's wolf-less. We all know she's weak. I hoped that becoming Luna would give her purpose, but instead, it's only brought shame to this pack."
"That's not true," Araya says, her voice shaking. "I've done nothing wrong."
Serenya looks back at her, her expression dripping with false pity. "Oh, Araya. You truly believe that, don't you? That's what makes this so sad. You can't even see how much you've hurt everyone around you."
Araya's vision blurs with tears. She looks around the circle, searching for someone who will speak up, who will defend her. But the wolves look away, unwilling to challenge Serenya or Jasper.
Only Millie meets her gaze, tears streaming down her face. But Millie is too far away, too small in the crowd to do anything.
Serenya steps closer to Araya, lowering her voice so only Araya can hear. "You should have listened when I told you. You'll be gone before the next full moon. I told you, and now look where you are."
Araya's breath catches. "You wanted this. You planned this."
"Of course I did," Serenya whispers, her smile cold and cruel. "Did you really think I would let you stand beside him? You were always in my way, Araya. Always the unwanted reminder of our father's first marriage. But now, you'll be gone, and I'll finally have everything I deserve."
Araya's chest heaves. She wants to lunge at Serenya, to tear that smug smile from her face. But she forces herself to stay still, to hold onto the last shred of dignity she has left.
Serenya steps back, raising her voice so the entire pack can hear. "I think it's clear what needs to happen. Araya cannot remain Luna. She's proven herself unworthy. For the good of the pack, she must step down."
The pack erupts in murmurs, some nodding in agreement, others whispering uncertainly.
Jasper watches the scene unfold, his expression unreadable. He does not stop Serenya. He does not defend Araya. He simply stands there, cold and detached.
Serenya turns to him, placing her hand over his. "Jasper, I know this is difficult. But you deserve a Luna who can stand beside you. Someone strong. Someone worthy of your name."
Jasper's storm-gray eyes shift to Serenya, then back to Araya. For a moment, Araya thinks she sees something flicker in his gaze. Doubt, maybe. Or regret.
But then it's gone.
Jasper steps forward, his voice cutting through the noise of the pack. "Araya Varrow has failed to prove her claim. She is tainted. She is unfit to serve as Luna of this pack."
The words hit Araya like a physical blow. Her knees buckle, and she barely catches herself before falling.
Jasper continues, his voice cold and final. "Therefore, I am removing her from the position of Luna, effective immediately."
Gasps ripple through the crowd.
Araya's chest tightens, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. She stares at Jasper, unable to believe what she is hearing.
"You can't do this," Araya whispers. "We're bonded. You can't just cast me aside."
"I can," Jasper says flatly. "And I am."
Araya's vision blurs. She tries to speak, but the words won't come.
Serenya steps closer to Jasper, her hand still resting on his arm. She looks out at the pack, her expression serene and confident.
Jasper's gaze shifts to Serenya, and for the first time since the trial began, something softens in his expression. He looks at her the way Araya always hoped he would look at her. With warmth. With affection.
Araya's stomach twists.
Jasper raises his voice, addressing the pack once more. "I will not leave this pack without a Luna. The position must be filled by someone strong. Someone capable. Someone who can stand beside me and lead with honor."
The pack falls silent, waiting.
Jasper turns to Serenya, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Serenya Vale has proven herself worthy. She is strong. She is loyal. She is everything a Luna should be."
Araya's breath stops.
No.
No, this can't be happening.
Jasper continues, his words echoing in Araya's ears like a nightmare. "Therefore, I am naming Serenya Vale as the new Luna of the Drevyn Pack."
- Writer
